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Dear Jeff et al, Here is a re-posting of the earlier information from the Hill (see text below). As of Friday 10/8/99, the status of the Appropriations Bill was as follows; both the House and Senate Appropriations Bills are now going to Conference. This Conference Committee consists of appointed members of both the House and Senate. The Conference Committee will negotiate the differences between the House and Senate Appropriations Bills and then refer their version to both the House and Senate for a final vote -- then the bill moves on to President Clinton. PAN will have a clearer timeline for voting, advocacy, etc. by tomorrow -- so keep a look out for our next posting!! Best wishes! ~Mette Adams~ PAN Staff To Recap last week's events.... Advocacy Works! Parkinson’s disease has taken another step toward securing the research funding that will deliver the cure - and advocates from across the nation played a crucial part. The report accompanying fiscal year 2000 Labor-Health & Human Services-Education (Labor/HHS)Appropriation bill passed by the Senate Thursday evening contains the strongest language yet approved for Parkinson’s research. Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS), Paul Wellstone (D-MN), Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) joined in a colloquy (an official conversation included in the bill report) verifying that the overall budget increase for NIH is sufficient to fund $75 million in additional Parkinson’s research. (Text of the colloquy below.) While it doesn’t carry the force of law, the colloquy states Congressional intent and provides clear direction to the NIH. The final version of the colloquy is the result of intense negotiations, and would not be as strong as it is were it not for the publicity and awareness raised about Parkinson’s and the research promise. Even more important was the flood of calls, faxes and emails which poured into the office of Senator Arlen Specter, the Chairman of the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee. All of that positive pressure convinced Senator Specter to agree to a much stronger version of the colloquy - more supportive of Parkinson’s - than he originally offered. The tremendous energy and determination of the Parkinson’s advocacy community was instrumental in achieving a big legislative victory - one sure to translate into greater research funding in the fiscal year 2000 budget. Three cheers to all of you for your efforts!! -----Original Message----- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jeff Carper Sent: Sunday, October 10, 1999 2:40 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Congressional Timing Does anyone have the reference name/number to use when writing Congresspeople about supporting the Udall Bill?